A Mountain of Support for Our Immigrant Siblings

27 September 2024

Beloved Mountaineers,

In this moment of rising hostility and harmful rhetoric targeting our immigrant siblings, particularly in Aurora and Springfield, it is vital that we come together as a community rooted in love, justice, and solidarity. As The Mountain Top UU, we support all people of color – immigrant and non-immigrant alike – and reject the vile narratives that seek to divide and demonize us in our current national dialogue.

Aurora and Springfield are cities built by generations of hands, hearts, and dreams of people from diverse backgrounds. Our immigrant communities – many of whom are people of color – enrich the culture, economy, and spirit of these and all cities around the globe. Yet, they are being targeted by dangerous and dehumanizing rhetoric designed to sow fear and scapegoat those who have come seeking safety, opportunity, and belonging.

As BIPOC individuals, we, as have our ancestors, understand too well the pain of being marginalized, silenced, and blamed for societal ills. This is not new! The same systems of oppression that seek to deny the humanity of immigrants are the same ones that have historically and continuously targeted people of color across this nation. We must reject these tactics of division and instead center our collective liberation.

We are in full solidarity with our immigrant siblings. To them, we say:

We see you, we hear you, we love you. You belong here! 

We remain steadfast with you against the injustice and hate you face, and we will continue to struggle for a world where your dignity is recognized and honored. Your lives, your dreams, and your contributions matter deeply, not just to Aurora and Springfield, but to us all.

Let us not be silent in the face of this injustice. May we be voices of truth, calling out anti-immigrant rhetoric wherever it appears. May we work for a future where every person of color – whether born here or elsewhere – can thrive in a world that respects their inherent worth.

If you are in need of support, please reach out to our chaplains at 720-336-0910 x4 or chaplains@themountaintopuu.org. 

Together, we can build the beloved community where love, not fear, guides us forward. 

In Service, 

AJ
Pastor AJ Blackwood
Community Minister
The Mountain Top UU

Covenanting Communities